Charging solids to vessels



July 39 1956 D. E. EASTMAN ETAL 2,753,056

CHARGING SOLIDS TO VESSELS Filed May 3l, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 21 INVENTORS. DANIEL E. EASTMAN RAYMOND R. RYAN BYwfQ/Ofeul ATToRNY.

July 3, 1956 Filed May 5l, 1951 D. E. EASTMAN ETAL CHARGING SOLIDS TO VESSELS INVENTORS. DANIEL E. EASTMAN RAYMOND R. RYAN! BY mf. Ffa

ATTORNEY.

United States Patent O 2,753,056 CHARGING SLIDS TO VESSELS Daniel E. Eastman, Syracuse, and Raymond R. Ryan, Camillus, N. Y., assignors to Allied Chemical & Dye Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application May 31, 1951, Serial No. 229,222 lll Claims. (Cl. 214-18) The present invention relates to treating solids and more particularly to charging treating vessels, for example, kilns, through which solid material undergoing treatment advances downwardly as a compact, porous mass or column and to which the solid charge `is admitted continuously or periodically.

ln operation of vessels of the type described, it is important that the charging material be distributed over substantially the entire internal area of the vessel in order that uniform-ity of treatment be realized. Further, in the event the treatment involves use of or produces noxious gas, it is important from a safety standpoint to prevent the escape of such gas into areas entered by personnel engaged in effecting the charging operation.

An object of the present invention is to provide apparatus for treating solid charging material which is simple in structure and operation. Another object is to provide process and apparatus for effecting even or other predetermined distribution of a stream of solid charging material over the top surface of a bed of solid undergoing treatment. Still another object is to provide process and apparatus for preventing escape of gas present within the treating apparatus into the charging area. Other objects will be apparent from the following description of the invention.

ln accordance with our invention a stream of solid material to be treated within a treating vessel through which the solid advances downwardly as a compact, porous mass or column is conducted within the vessel from a charging point or station disposed outside the vessel and is distributed on or charged to the top surface of the mass while describing a predetermined lateral, curvilinear, pattern which repeats itself in overlapping sequence over that top surface. The individual patterns may assume, as is hereinafter described in more detail, a variety of curvilinear shapes. ln order to realize distribution of the solid over substantially the entire cross-section of the top surface of the mass the movement of the stream of entering solid may be so regulated that the individual pattern it describes extends from approximately the center of the vesselto substantially the wall thereof or preferably substantially from wall to wall. Suitable patterns may be and preferably are achieved by conducting a stream of charging material into a treating vessel and thereafter through a downwardly and laterally extending couiined path terminating at a point above the top surface of a bed of solid within the vessel, discharging the stream of charging material from the confined path, and during such discharge rotating the path about a substantially vertical` axis while simultaneously and independently reciprocating the path about a lateral axis. The aforesaid independent rotation and rec-iprocation are so correlated and regulated that the stream of solid leaving the confined path describes with desired frequency a desired pattern. By controlling either or both the rotating and reciprocating motions the size and shape of individual patterns may be varied as well as the frequency of their occurrence.

One type of charging apparatus that may he used in practice of the invention involves a suitable supply hopper or other source of charge material and a conduit adapted to receive the charging material from such source and to conduct it into the treating Vessel. The conduit, preferably mounted on or suspended from a lateral swivel, extends downwardly through an opening in the top of the vessel large enough to accommodate limited lateral movement of the conduit. Suitable driving means rotate the conduit about a substantially vertical axis which preferably is adjacent to the above-mentioned opening. Suitable and preferably independent driving means including inkage which may be attached to the conduit or swivel therefor provide reciprocation of the conduit during its rotation. in order to prevent escape of gas through the above-mentioned opening, there may be associated with it and the conduit suitable flexible or other sealing means adapted to accommodate the movement of the conduit.

In certain of its aspects, for example, when the treating operation involves use or production of noxious or other gas undesirable at the charging station, the invention contemplates preventing escape of such gas into the area adjacent the charging station by positively and simultaneously with admission of solid charge to the vessel withdrawing a stream of gas through a confined path, which is in part the path of flow for solid being charged to the treating vessel, extending from within that vessel to a point beyond the charging station, while simultaneously admitting air into said path at openings therein, including at that station. In preferred practice, the desired flow of gas is achieved by forcing the stream of gas from the aforementioned point toward a suitable vent at greater distance from the charging station at such rate, considering pressure within the vessel and resistance to ilovv of gases through the stream of solid within the charging conduit, as to establish positive flow of air into the aforementioned path at the charging station and at any other opening along said path.

When the charging operation is batchwise or discontinuous, the charging opening may be seale-d during intervals between charges. Also, during such intervals, as for example when gas flowing from the treating vessel is to be recovered or treated, the aforementioned path through which the gas is withdrawn during the charging step may be suitably closed or sealed. ln preferred types of apparatus for practice of this aspect of the invention, suitable means are provided for automatically opening losures at the charging station and in the path of gas flow in response to the placing of a charge in position for admission to the vessel and for reversing closure operation when the charging step is completed.

In the accompanying drawings one form of the invention is illustrated. It is understood,l however, that the drawings do not deiine the limits of the invention, as the design and arrangement of the component elements of the invention may be considerably varied without departure therefrom.

ln the drawings:

Figure l represents an elevational view showing the arrangement of the charging and gas withdrawal apparatus with respect to the top of a kiln with the kiln proper being shown in section taken generally along line. l--l of Figure 2;

Figure 2 is a sectional plan view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1, certain parts being` broken away to show the` interior construction;

Figure 3 is a vertical section taken along line 3--3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a vertical section taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows the roll-out or development of a typical cam ring;

Figures 6 and 7 show typical distribution patterns obtained in practice of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown kiln 1,

adapted for example to effect calcination or burning of limestone, having a brick lining 2 surrounded by a shell 3 and provided with a preferably conical-shaped top t which is supported on or is a continuation of shell 3. l suitable vent conduit 37 communicates through top 4 with interior of vessel 1 for leading carbon oxide-containing gases resulting from the calcinator to an exhaust stack or recovery equipment, not shown, except such quantity of gases as may be withdrawn through the top of the kiln during charging and intermediate operations as hereinafter described. Within vessel 1 the limestone undergoing treatment forms a compact, porous mass or body having a top surface indicated at S which advances downwardly countercurrently to the ow of treating and produced gases at rate corresponding to the rate of continuous or periodic withdrawal of lime from the bottom of the kiln, not shown, as by known use of a traveling belt, star valve or the like.

In accordance with this embodiment of the invention fresh crushed limestone sized as desired is admitted continuously or periodically from a suitable bulk supply at average rate corresponding to the average rate of lime withdrawn.

Periodic charging may be effected, as shown, from chute 6 of supply car 7. Car 7 is advantageously mounted on rails 13 to adapt it to deliver periodic charges to each of several kilns in a row, each provided with a charging hopper similar to hopper 5. A door 8 suitably lifted and lowered as by windlass 43 is provided at the opening of chute 6 and a ilap damper 9 provided at its edges with a suitable flexible gasket material such as asbestos, canvas or rubber is provided at the opening of hopper to seal the openings of the chute and hopper during non-charging periods so as to prevent discharge of gas into the charging area. Hopper 5 communicates at its lower end with a chute or conduit 11, which in turn is loosely received in movable relation by distributing conduit or pipe 12 extending into the interior of kiln 1 to terminate above top surface S. Conduits 11 and 12 serve to lead charging material from the hopper 5 into the kiln wherein it falls as a stream from the lower end of conduit 12 to top surface S. As shown, the portion of conduit 12 that is entirely within vessel 1 is provided with a lateral extension or angular offset to permit delivery of the charged solid at points laterally spaced from the center of the kiln.

Distributing pipe 12 and driving means therefor are supported on a structural frame 14 attached to the shell of the kiln independently of the kiln top. The top is thus free to expand and contract when subjected to changing temperatures without interfering with the performance of the charging mechanism.

Opening 15 in kiln top, which receives distributing pipe 12 is preferably centrally located and suiciently large to permit limited lateral movement of conduit 12. Attached to the upper end of the distributing pipe 12 there may be an annular inverted cup 16 (Figs. 1 and 3) which projects below the level of a liquid such as water contained in annular trough 17 supported on the kiln top, thereby sealing the space between the distributing pipe and the top. This seal acts to prevent the escape of gas from within the kiln into the operating area at the top of the kiln even though the top be distorted by severe thermal stresses; it is of particular importance when such gas is noxious as is the case with carbon oxides produced by limestone burning. Other suitable sealing means may be employed in lieu of the liquid seal, e. g., an annulus of flexible material fastened at its upper end to distributing pipe 12 and at its lower end to kiln top 4. Suitable liquid or other sealing means (not shown for the sake of clarity) may also be provided at the joint between conduits 11 and 12. It is preferred that the kiln be maintained at but slight positive pressure if a liquid seal of the type shown is provided.

Distributing pipe 12 depends from and extends below a laterally extending swivel adjacent top 4 and consisting of pivots or spindles 18 rigidly attached to supporting blocks 19 at their inner ends (Figs. 2 and 3). Pivots 18 are supported by and rotatably mounted at their respective outer ends in bearings 21 and 22 which in turn are mounted on an inner rotatable annular platform or ring 25 providing therebelow ring gear 25a driven by pinion 27 which derives its power from gear reducer 32 and motor 29. During admission of charge to hopper S rotation of the annular platform by means of ring gear 25a effects rotation of conduit 12 about a substantially vertical axis.

Attached to and extending laterally from the abovementioned swivel which supports the conduit 12 from its upper end is an arm or yoke 24 having a contact roller 24a which rides on a cam ring 23 mounted on an outer rotatable annular platform or ring 26. Cam ring 23 has alternately high and low surfaces which during its rotation respectively raise and lower arm 24 thereby reciprocating or rocking distributing conduit 12 about the lateral axis defined by swivel arms 1S.

Figure 5 shows a roll-out or development of a typical cam ring having two high and two low spots designed to effect during each revolution two complete oscillations of conduit 12 from substantially the center to substantially the wall of kiln 1.

As shown, annular platform 26 carrying cam ring 23 is preferably rotated independently of but simultaneously with conduit 12, as by pinion 31 driven by motor 28 and gear reducer 30 and engaging a ring gear 26a attached to the under side of the annular table supporting cam ring 23. By means of the resultant joint action conduit 12 simultaneously rotates and reciprocates, thereby delivering the charging material over predetermined lateral, curvilinear, repetitive pattern. It is to be understood, however, that the cam ring may be provided with a larger or smaller number of high spots than shown and that certain of the high spots may be higher or lower than others depending upon the pattern desired to be described by the stream of charge. lt is to be understood also that a large number of different patterns may be achieved by Varying either or both the direction and relative speed of rotation of conduit 12 and of a given cam ring 23.

The annular platforms to which ring gears 26a and 25a are attached are supported, as shown, from framework 14. In order to provide stability to those platforms and to guide them during rotation they are provided with tires 33 and 34 which ride on ilanged wheels 35 and 36 disposed at suitable intervals. By this construction all driving parts are mounted under the platforms where possibility of accumulation of charging material is minimized. If desired, the bearings 21 and 22 receiving pivot arms 18 may also be located below the rotating platforms. Figure 6 shows by the continuous broken line the type of distribution pattern developed with the rings rotating at the same speed in the same direction. Figure 7 similarly illustrates the type of pattern developed with the rings rotating at the same speed in opposite directions. In both cases the design of the cam ring is represented by the roll-out shown in Figure 5. The patterns illustrated by Figures 6 and 7 will be essentially endless, repeating in overlapping relation after several revolutions.

It will be noted that in the preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed in the drawing the oscillating movement of conduit 12 is about a lateral axis adjacent opening 1S and the upper end of conduit 12, thus permitting maximum lateral movement of the lower end of the conduit and of the stream of charge over top surface S and minimum movement of conduit 12 relative to opening 1S, the seal that may be associated therewith, and to the lower end of conduit 11. Also to be noted is application of the force necessary to effect the reciprocating mesme motion through yokelike arm 24 to the swivel-like structure comprising pivots or spindles 18 and blocks 19, thus avoiding stresses on conduit l2 other than that occasioned by its weight and the weight of solid charge owing through it. If the temperature and other conditions btaining within treating vessel permit, a liquid seal such as indicated at 17 may be disposed partially or entirely within top 4. ln that event, or if a ilexible metallic fabric or other non-liquid seal be used, or if no seal be necessary, the entire mechanism for effecting movement of conduit l2 and the axis of its oscillation may be disposed closer to top d minimizing design and operating problems connected with such oscillation.

As shown in Figure l, a continuous path for ow of gases from within the interior of vessel 1 to a point beyond the charging station represented by hopper 5 is provided by conduits l2 and 11, hopper 5, pipe or conduit 33 and vent stack V. At a point beyond hopper 5 represented at 41, there is shown mechanism 42 for driving a blower located within conduit 38 at 41 adapted and arranged to force gases from kiln 1 through the aforesaid path and into vent V. As well apparent to those skilled in the art, an ejector or aspirator may be used instead of the blower. Vent V may be a vent common to a battery of kilns exemplified by kiln 1 and may be connected through an appropriate number of ducts 38 to the charging hopper S for each such kiln. In that event, Vent V and the aforementioned blower may be placed selectively in fluid communicating relation with hoppers 5 of the individual kilns at preselected times. To that end duct 33 of each kiln may be supplied with a damper such as damper 39, shown in closed position. Also, to prevent venting of gases from the hoppers 5 during intervals between charging operations, gates or doors 9 therein are preferably maintained in closed position during such intervals, i. e., in the perpendicular position shown. Preferably, damper 39 and door 9 of each unit are operated simultaneously by suitable mechanical linkage such as the ell arm linkage indicated generally at 48.

When charge is being admitted to hopper 5, damper 39 and gate 9 are maintained in open position. The aforementioned blower thus pulls air into the charging opening carrying with it by reason of positive suction produced at that opening any gases simultaneously passing through conduits l2 and 1l. In the event the joint between the two conduits last named is not provided with gas tight seal operative at the pressure maintained within vessel l, the capacity of the blower is preferably such as to establish slight sub-atmospheric pressure within the conduits at that joint and hence to pull air into conduit lll. rl`hus leakage of gases into the atmosphere and consequent possible physiological or other effects thereof at any point between vessel l and the blower are eliminated by the positively induced ilow of gases along the path extending from kiln l through hopper 5 to the blower therebeyond.

lf fresh limestone is admitted continuously to kiln 1, the blower may be and preferably is continuously in service. Such also may be the case when vent V serves a plurality of kilns disposed as a battery to each of which charge is admitted intermittently. Then, and in instances when each intermittently charged kiln is served by individual vents V and corresponding blowers, it is preferred, in the interest of safety, to operate damper 39 and gate 9 automatically prior to. initiation and after completion :respectively of charging operations. To that end bell arm linkage 48 may be actuated to open the same by energizing solenoid 46 to lift plunger 47 connected to linkage 45E; the closing operations being effected upon de-energizing solenoid 46, whereupon the weight of the appropriate parts of the operating mechanism, assisted if desired by weight 5t), results in closure. It Will be apparent to those skilled in the art that means other than a solenoid may be used to actuate bell arm linkage 48. For example, a power source such as a hydraulic or pneumatic device or an electric motor may be suitably employed. The automatic opening and closure steps may be effected in response to placing a charge in position for delivery to hopper 5 and upon removing the delivery receptacle such as hopper car 7 from such position, as by operation by tripper arm 44 attached to car 7 of limit switch 45 in the electrical circuit 49 containing solenoid 46 and leading from power supply 52. Thus tripper arm 44 may be located to close switch 45 when chute 6 of car 7 arrives in registering relation with the corresponding mouth or chute of hopper 5 and to open the same when chute 6 is moved from this position. Should intermittent operation of the blower also be desired, the driving motor therefor may be included in circuit 49. When it is necessary or desirable to prevent escape of gases into the Working area above the kiln between charging operations, damper 39 may be set to close only partially when gate 9 is closed, whereupon continuous operation of the blower establishes suction at openings in the gas path between the kiln and vent V without diverting unduly large quantities of the gases from their usual How into discharge conduit 37. In certain instances the blower may discharge into conduit 37 to prevent loss of kiln gases for recovery or reuse.

ln operation,` fuel and limestone are introduced into kiln l, which is maintained at a slight positive pressure, by iowing the material from supply car 7 into hopper 5 through chute 11 and then through distributing pipe l2. The latter is simultaneously rotated and reciprocated by means of the joint action of counter-rotating rings 25 and 23, thereby effecting even distribution of the charging material over substantially the entire cross-section of the interior of the kiln. Substantially all of the gas formed during the burning of the limestone which comprises carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen and oxygen, isl discharged through pipe 37. During charging, a small quantity of gas is withdrawn from kiln Si countercurrently to solid owing in conduits lll and 12 to hopper 5, whence (with air ilowing into the charge opening and into the joint between conduits 1l and l2) it is drawn through pipe 38 to be discharged above the charging area of the. kiln.

The apparatus of this invention is believed to have many advantages, several of which have already been mentioned in connection with the above description of an embodiment of the invention. In addition thereto, it is pointed out that the invention provides for the mounting of the charging apparatus at a convenient height for ready maintenance and inspection, for ilexibility to meet changing charging rates and other operating conditions, and for exceptionally smooth and quiet charging.

It is to be understood that the above-described invention in its various aspects is applicable not only for kilns adapted for the burning of solid charging material such as limestone but for other apparatuses and operations typical among which are roasting of ores, gasification (as of coal), water gas or producer gas production, sublimation, drying, adsorption of gases on solids, oxidation, halogenation, calcination and regeneration of catalytic and other solids adapted for use in promoting or otherwise assisting in chemical or physical changes in gaseous materials, aswell as` the edecting of such changes.

We claim:

l. ln combination with a vessel for treating solid charging material, apparatus for distributing a stream of said solid charging material within said vessel comprising the combination of a conduit adapted to material and to conduct the same into said vessel conduit depending from a laterally extending downwardly and laterally said extending swivel and 7 to engage said arm and impart vertical reciprocating motion thereto thereby reciprocating said conduit about a lateral axis, whereby said conduit delivers said charging material in a lateral, curvilinear, repetitive pattern extending over said top surface.

2. In combination with a vessel for treating solid charging material, apparatus for distributing a stream of said solid charging material within said vessel comprising the combination of a conduit adapted to receive the charging material and to conduct the same into said vessel, said conduit depending from a laterally extending swivel and extending downwardly and laterally within said vessel to terminate above the top surface of solid charge advancing downwardly therethrough, a motor-driven rotatable ring attached to said conduit and arranged and adapted to rotate the latter about a substantially vertical axis, an arm extending laterally from said conduit, a motor-driven rotatable ring having alternately high and low surfaces and arranged and adapted to engage said arm and impart vertical reciprocating motion thereto thereby reciprocating said conduit about a lateral axis, whereby said conduit delivers said charging material in a lateral, curvilinear, repetitive pattern extending over said top surface.

3. In combination with a vessel for treating solid charging material, apparatus for withdrawing noxious gas therefrom comprising a conduit adapted to receive a stream of the charging material and to conduct the same from the exterior of said vessel to the interior thereof, said conduit receiving a pipe extending substantially above the charging area at the top of said vessel, whereby a passageway for noxious gas is formed extending from the interior of said vessel through said conduit and said pipe, and means connected with said pipe arranged and adapted to withdraw noxious gas through said passageway.

4. In combination with a vessel for treating solid charging material, apparatus for withdrawing noxious gas therefrom comprising a conduit adapted to receive a stream of the charging material and to conduct the same from the exterior of said vessel to the interior thereof, said conduit loosely receiving a pipe extending substantially above the charging area at the top of said vessel, whereby a passageway for noxious gas is formed extending from the interior of said vessel through said conduit and said pipe, and a blower connected with said pipe arranged and adapted to withdraw noxious gas and atmosphere through said passageway.

5. In combination with a vessel for treating solid charging material, apparatus for distributing said charging material within said vessel and for withdrawing noxious gas therefrom comprising a conduit adapted to receive a stream of said charging material and to conduct the same into said vessel, said conduit depending from a laterally extending swivel and extending downwardly and laterally within said vessel, mechanism for rotating said conduit about a substantially vertical axis, independent mechanism arranged .and adapted to reciprocate said conduit about a lateral axis, said conduit receiving a pipe extending substantially above the charging area at the top of said vessel, whereby a passageway for noxious gas is formed extending from the interior of said vessel through said conduit and said pipe, and means connected with said pipe arranged and adapted to withdraw noxious gas through said passageway.

6. ln combination with a vessel for treating solid charging material, apparatus for distributing said charging material within said vessel and for withdrawing noxious gas therefrom comprising a conduit adapted to receive a stream of said charging material and to conduct the same into said vessel, said conduit depending from a laterally extending swivel and extending downwardly and laterally within said vessel, mechanism for rotating said conduit about a substantially vertical axis, an arm extending laterally from said conduit and means associated with said arm for vertically reciprocating the same thereby reciprocating said conduit about a lateral axis, said conduit receiving a pipe extending substantially above the charging area at the top of said vessel, whereby a passageway for noxious gas is formed extending from the interior of said vessel through said conduit and said pipe, and means connected with said pipe arranged and adapted to withdraw noxious gas through said passageway.

`7. In combination with a vessel for treating solid charging material, apparatus for distributing said charging material within said vessel and for withdrawing noxious gas therefrom comprising a conduit adapted to receive a stream of said charging material and to conduct the same into said vessel, said conduit depending from a laterally extending swivel and extending downwardly and laterally within said vessel, a rotatable ring attached to said conduit and arranged and adapted to rotate the latter about a substantially vertical axis, an arm extending laterally from said conduit, a rotatable ring having alternately high and low surfaces and arranged and adapted to engage said arm and impart vertical reciprocating motion thereto thereby reciprocating said conduit about a lateral axis, said conduit receiving a pipe extending substantially above the charging area at the top of said vessel, whereby a passageway for noxious gas is formed extending from the interior of said vessel through said conduit and said pipe, and means connected with said pipe arranged and adapted to withdraw noxious gas through said passageway.

8. In combination with a vessel for treating solid charging material, a top on said vessel and a charging apparatus mounted independently of said top, said charging apparatus comprising the combination of a conduit adapted to receive a stream of the charging material and to conduct the same into said vessel, said conduit depending from a laterally extending swivel and extending downwardly and laterally within said vessel to terminate above the top surface of solid charge advancing downwardly therethrough, mechanism for rotating said conduit about a substantially vertical axis, and independent mechanism arranged and adapted to reciprocate said conduit about a lateral axis, whereby said conduit delivers said stream of charging material in a lateral, curvilinear, repetitive pattern extending over said top surface;

9. In combination with a vessel for treating solid charging material, a top on said vessel and a charging apparatus mounted independently of said top, said charging apparatus comprising the combination of a conduit adapted to receive a stream of the charging material and to conduct the same into said vessel, said conduit depending from a laterally extending swivel and extending downwardly and laterally within said vessel to terminate above the top surface of solid charge advancing downwardly therethrough, a seal between said top and said conduit, mechanism for rotating said conduit about a substantially vertical axis, and independent mechanism arranged and adapted to reciprocate to said conduit about a lateral axis, whereby said conduit delivers said stream of charging material in a lateral, curvilinear, repetitive pattern extending over said top surface.

l0. In combination with a vessel for treating solid charging material, a top on said vessel and a charging and noxious gas withdrawal apparatus mounted independently of said top, said charging and gas withdrawal apparatus comprising a conduit adapted to receive a stream of the charging material and to conduct the same into said vessel, said conduit depending from a laterally extending swivel and extending downwardly and laterally within said vessel, a seal between said top and said conduit, mechanism for rotating said conduit about a substantially vertical axis, independent mechanism arranged and adapted to reciprocate said conduit about a lateral axis, said conduit receiving a pipe extending substantially above the charging area at the top of said vessel, whereby a passageway for noxious gas is formed extending from the interior of said vessel through said conduit and said pipe, and means connected with said pipe arranged and adapted to withdraw' noxious gas through said passageway.

aragosta 1l` ln combination with a vessel for treating solid charging material, a conical-shaped top on said vessel and a charging and noxious gas withdrawal apparatus mounted independently of said conical-shaped top, said charging and gas withdrawal apparatus comprising a conduit adapted to receive a stream of said charging material and to conduct the same into said vessel, said conduit depending from a laterally extending swivel adjacent said conical-shaped top and extending downwardly and laterally within said vessel, a liquid seal between said conicalshaped top and said conduit, a rnoto1-driven rotatable ring arranged and adapted to rotate said conduit about a substantially vertical axis, an arm extending laterally from said conduit, a motor-driven rotatable ring having alternately high and low surfaces and arranged and adapted to engage said arm and impart vertical reciprocating motion thereto thereby reciprocating said conduit about a lateral axis, said conduit loosely receiving a pipe extend- References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 850,395 Parker Apr. 16, 1907 1,176,878 Anderson Mar. 28, 1916 1,267,005 Slick May 21, 1918 1,531,788 Jefferson Mar. 31, 1925 1,668,968 Lambot May 8, 1928 1,685,208 Willcox Sept. 25, 1928 1,793,274 Call Feb. 17, 1931 2,347,964 om, May 2, 1944 

1. IN COMBINATION WITH A VESSEL FOR TREATING SOLID CHARGING MATERIAL, APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTING A STREAM OF SAID SOLID CHARGING MATERIAL WITHIN SAID VESSEL COMPRISING THE COMBINATION OF A CONDUIT ADAPTED TO RECEIVE THE CHARGING MATERIAL AND TO CONDUCT THE SAME INTO SAID VESSEL, SAID CONDUIT DEPENDING FROM A LATERALLY EXTENDING SWIVEL AND EXTENDING DOWNWARDLY AND LATERALLY WITHIN SAID VESSEL TO TERMINATE ABOVE THE TOP SURFACE OF SOLID CHARGE ADVANCING DOWNWARDLY THERETHROUGH, A ROTATABLE RING ATTACHED TO SAID CONDUIT AND ARRANGED AND ADAPTED TO ROTATE THE 